The man in a Modern world.
Man, what exactly is a man? In today’s age it’s hard to define, with the rise of transgenderism and people having the liberty to change and assume which ever identity they so please, including sex. The word Man may no longer mean what it once did. I’ll attempt to answer my own question, and I’ll do it in the most inclusive way I know how, like I’ve said in the blogs disclaimer, it isn’t my intention to offend anyone. In times past, you could say that a man was anyone born with a penis, or by the fact they were born with the X and Y chromosome. But apparently that isn’t the case anymore. I must confess, if someone was to ask me on the street, in the pub, or anywhere really, what is a man jack? I’d probably say something like a person who was born with the XY chromosomes and the junk between his legs. Because that’s what I’ve always been taught, that’s what the science says.
Now, regardless of the science. Let’s assume a man is anyone who feels like they can identify as one, what exactly is it you identify to be the man you are? Strength, courage, loyalty? Maybe it’s aggression, selfishness and the need to reproduce at all costs? Maybe it’s all those things. But to me, a man is a protector, a provider, someone with a code of conduct, a code of morality. Throughout history men from all over the world have identified with a code of some sort or other. For example, you have Bushido in Japan, or what was known as Chivalry here in the West. Both codes share similarities, such as Bravery and Loyalty, Politeness and Honour. Now obviously these codes are from a time that was largely feudal, swearing loyalty for bushido was usually to an emperor or lord, and in Chivalry it was to Christianity or king. But the virtues in these codes, and others like them can help define who a man is. In large parts, these were men of honour, integrity, loyalty and bravery. They held up moral standards and did the right thing, because it was so, they moved with an unselfishness that meant they would suffer, so others would not. Not because it was easy. But because it adhered to their code of morals. There are of course exceptions to this, all of history is filled with weasels and cowards who were only out for themselves, the same is true today.
I think there is a misconception from men, about men, when I talk about a code, I don’t mean being hyper aggressive, flexing the muscles and out competing each other, I see far too much of that as it is. But it also doesn’t mean being a push over, bowing down to everyone Elses whim. Being a man is a dichotomy, its being both soft and loving, and hard and stoic, it’s a balance, which at times, can feel like you’re walking a tightrope. We are fathers, providers, protectors, but we must also be lovers and listeners. I believe all men should have a code, and it should be individual to you, For example, I try to live my life by a code which can be summarised with three words, Mercy, Love and Grace.
We will continue to explore these subjects and others in more blog posts.
Faithfully yours.
jack
The Modern Man 